Discrete spectral lines occur when excitation takes place in a
A) liquid.
B) solid.
C) gas.
D) superconductor.
E) all of these

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Discrete spectral lines are characteristic of gases. When atoms or molecules in a gas phase are excited, they emit or absorb light at specific, discrete wavelengths, producing a line spectrum. This is because the energy levels in isolated atoms or molecules are quantized, leading to specific transition energies. In contrast, in solids and liquids, the energy levels are broadened due to interactions between particles, leading to continuous spectra rather than discrete lines. Superconductors, being a state of matter, do not inherently relate to the production of discrete spectral lines.

Discrete Spectral Lines Occur When Excitation Takes Place in a